History of adventure touring motorcycles.
Adventure Touring motorcycles, also known as ADV motorcycles, are becoming an increasingly popular way to explore the outdoors. They are designed to handle both on-road and off-road adventures, allowing riders to explore more remote and challenging terrain. But where did these motorcycles come from?
The origins of ADV motorcycles can be traced back to the early days of motorcycling. The first production motorcycle (made by Hildebrand & Wolfmüller) came off the line 14 years before the Model-T. That’s right, bikes came before the car. Early bikes were primarily used on dirt tracks and primitive roads… Prime ADV terrain. Thus, early motorcycles were designed with rugged suspensions and tires, making them a lot more capable off-road than today’s choppers and street bikes.
As time passed, motorcycles became more specialized, with on- and off-road models diverging into separate categories. Hogs VS motocross. However, the recent rise of ADV touring has brought these two worlds back together with some modern touches. Electronic suspension, ABS brakes, and traction control make these bikes more capable than ever… but unfortunately, more expensive and harder to fix!
Today, adventure touring motorcycles are popular for riders who want to explore the world beyond the pavement. In this blog post, we’ll look at some camping options and hear from a few ADV riders that may have something to say on the subject of, “Best Camping Options for Adventure Touring.”
Photo courtesy of Alfa Horting
1) Tents
The tent, a tried-and-true classic, offers a range of sizes for solo or group trips, with some models even featuring awnings to shelter your motorcycle. You probably already have a tent or two in storage, so this will where most ADV riders will start.
Now for the cons. setting up a tent can be difficult on uneven or wet terrain, and packing up a muddy tent is probably the worst thing you could ever do. (Speaking from experience) Additionally, older riders may struggle with crawling in and out of the tent.
2) Hammocks
Hammocks offer a unique camping experience and have a smaller pack size and weight than most tents. They also do not require flat ground and the rainfly can be guyed out to protect your bike from the elements.
However, finding suitable trees for hanging a hammock can be a challenge, and some campsites may not permit hanging hammocks at all. Hammocks also have limited storage for gear and are typically designed for one person.
3) Moto Trailers
On a cold and wet day, nothing will inspire jealousy like pulling up to an ADV campsite pulling a bike trailer. They have a ton of space and eliminate the need to set up camp. All the conveniences of home… miniaturized. But in our opinion, trailers have no place in the ADV world.
They add weight and mechanical strain to your motorcycle, decrease fuel efficiency, and most importantly limit your ability to access actual ADV terrain.
Photo courtesy of @sfv_moto
The best option for motorcycle camping?
Our solution? The Haven Tent - a lay-flat hammock tent that combines the best of each camping option listed above. It is as comfortable as your bed at home, setup and takedown are quick (and mud free), and you have total flexibility with site selection.
The Haven Tent can be pitched between any trees, as long as there is about 9’ of space between them. And it can even be set up right on the ground as a bivy if trees are not available. The whole thing packs down to a single kit that fits in any pannier. The standard is only 14x8x6 and that includes the whole kit. Hammock, insulated air mattress, bug net, rainfly, tree straps, guy lines, and stakes.
To be fair, the Haven Tent is really a one-person system. The Haven Tent has a surprising amount of storage space for a hammock, but still less than a large tent and while the rainfly is not large enough to cover your bike, many riders opt to bring an additional fly for extra protection.
What do ADV riders have to say?
No shocker, at the end of our blog post we pick the Haven Tent as the best option. Of course, that will be our conclusion… but don't just take our word for it. Stay tuned for testimonials from adventure touring riders who have experienced the comfort and convenience of the Haven Tent system.
Christoffer Ellebirke - @Christoffer_ellebirke
Triumph Tiger 800 xca
What I like about the haven for ADV camps is the fact I’m sleeping better than my buddies on the ground, it sounds terrible but it just makes me giggle in my sleep 😂💤
Don Redman - The Moto Giant
Triumph Tiger 1050
The motorcycle adventures I have had in the last decade have changed my life dramatically. The one single thing that has extended my motorcycle camping adventures has been the discovery of specialized hammocks, and the comfort they offer. As a side sleeper, I was never able to sleep comfortably in a standard hammock. Once I discovered asymmetrical hammocks, I could sleep very comfortably for up to two weeks. By the end of the second week, I felt the need to start looking for a place to camp on the ground to be able to stretch out and roll over like I do when in bed. In the past, I also carried a backup tent on my adventures, for times and places when there were no trees. So I spent my extended adventures hammock camping until I got to the point when I wanted some comfort and relief from the hammock... So I went back and forth.
When I discovered the Haven, both of these troubles went away completely, the comfort issue was completely resolved, and the need for trees also went away. "Hammock-tent" is a strange phrase, until you see the Haven on the ground. I tie one end to my motorcycle, and the other to a hiking pole. I highly recommend the Haven for anyone struggling with discomfort or lack of sleep. If you hate sleeping on the ground like I do, the Haven will be right for you.
Don spent 6 months living in his Haven Safari. See his review here:
Cal Wiren - Cals ADV
Kawasaki KLR650
I found the Haven Kickstarter when it first came out and saw that it was something different than the standard hammocks on the market. I’m a side sleeper so I took a chance and ordered it. Simply put, it has changed my outdoor lifestyle significantly. After a few time in the standard Haven Tent I got the Haven XL, that was even better! More room and the comfort is next level, I tell other campers, that it’s just like hanging your bed from the trees. I use my Haven in all 4 seasons and stay dry, comfortable, and very happy. The versatility of ground or air is one of the best features. I always pack my Haven whenever I leave the house.
I highly recommend the Haven to everyone. The creator of the Haven, Derek, is one of a kind. He is a very thoughtful, outgoing, generous person, and is genuinely seeking the best comfort of camping. Although we have never met in person, our interactions have always left me feeling that I am an important part of the Haven family. All of his crew is beyond awesome to interact with. I could go on for days, happy camping!
Tom - @sfv_moto
DRZ400 supermoto
I like to sleep on my side but love hammocks, so I decided to try the Haven Tent last summer. My first real test was last September when I went on a moto camping trip with some buddies in the mountains just north of LA. I love that the Haven Tent is a complete kit, with integrated bug net and rain fly and insulated pad. It fits perfectly in my 10L dry bag that I attach to the back of my DRZ400 supermoto - a match made in heaven. My friends were all curious to try and after they did they loved it! Everything about it is perfect for moto camping - it packs up nicely to fit in a backpack or dry bag, doesn’t require “add ons, and is super comfortable. Can’t wait until summer, we have a lot of trips on the books already!
